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A Very Short Introduction to
Bicycle Camping in Hungary
Grace Newhaven 2016 bikefishATiinet.net.au 2016/Dec 24
Before you go :
·
A tent that
blends into the landscape is very useful !
·
Make a
Google map of your proposed journey ( it’s Shareable via www) to plan &
calculate distances. Consider a Google plan as well ( also to Share)
·
Download an
“off line” e/map and experiment with it. Get a good translation app.
·
Get Google
codes if you want to use other computers besides your own.
·
Source a
useful adapter, with USB port(s).
Roads & Traffic : Rural minor roads were generally pleasant and are
well surfaced tho relatively narrow, and there may be severe subsidence at the
edges, and only rarely is there a fog line and sealed shoulder. Hungarian motor
traffic is courteous by Australian standards. On-road signage is OK, though not
on a numerical system, but usually easy to follow. The landscape is often very
attractive, with small traditional villages at easy intervals. However,
approaching Budapest from the North( as we did), the supposed “Eurovelo”
bicycle route was just the main, very busy highway, quite frightening.
Maps: Paper road maps are available, but I recommend “Pocket Earth” or
similar off-line maps as well ( some are free). Some of these will show bicycle
friendly roads and paths, and can calculate and display a specific bicycle
route to your destinations. Tourist information offices are not common in HU,
but may provide some useful local maps. Veloroute 6 crosses Hungary
North/South; but VR6 was not consistently signed, and was very scary entering
Budapest from the North, with heavy, fast traffic ( the Danube bike tour
companies carry their customers by boat into Budapest !)
Water: There is safe, drinkable tap water everywhere in Hungary. You can also
buy bottled water everywhere, if you are prepared to waste the plastic bottles.
Generally, it can be a problem trying to find a tap outside ( ie accessible) :
parks and private gardens don’t have them. You can ask for water in a bar or
café, and cemeteries are good too. It will be useful for overnight camping to
have a wine cask bladder or similar bulk container. If you are lucky, you may
see a working fountain, or locals will show you to a spring that they use
themselves. However you go, be careful not to run out.
Food : Food in Hungary is adequate if without the full variety of Western
Europe, but various and usually delicious ( and especially spicy). Most
villages have a tiny shop – not always obvious – and medium size towns have
small grocery stores, with large Western style supermarkets in cities.
Supermarkets sell everything necessary
and are open long hours, but closed on Sundays, so be prepared. Bread shops may
open on Sunday mornings. Petrol stations may be open for food – and even
alcohol- on Sundays. Food is generally much cheaper than in Australia (despite
27 % GST) but of a slightly better quality and variety, sometimes with “bio” [
organic] options. There is a wide variety of delicious breads, as well as a
huge assortment of processed meats and sausages – some very artificial looking
! Alcohol is very cheap and easy to find; there are deposits on glass beer
bottle, but not on plastic bottles.
Bottles are returned at the point-of-sale. Even cheap beer is very good,
and you can try the cheap wine. The Aussie stubby holder neoprene jackets are
unknown in Europe, you may want to take one, as you will sometimes see cold
beer for sale in shops, tho rarely. Fuel alcohol (“denaturált szesz”) is around
3 Euro /litre at hardware shops eg OBI. Shop staff are usually friendly, and
English is sometimes spoken shyly, but
it will help to have a little Hungarian : “Nem beszélek magyarul” [ I don’t speak Hungarian] is useful. Market
stalls and roadside vendors are also useful for small quantities of fruits and
vegetables. The very cheapest restaurant meals would less than~ €6.00, with
very cheap drinks prices ( compared to Australia).
Camping : In my
experience there was plenty of accessible, green, public space in forests,
reserves etc. With a small, discrete tent, you should have no problems. There
are commercial Camping Grounds in many
towns ( but not all), charging from E6.00 to €12.00 or more for a single
camper. These are marked on maps, but it may be hard to find one for every
night without a lot of planning. Some have WiFi, of variable quality, for an
extra charge, sometimes expensive. These campsites cater for motor travelers on
long stays, rather than overnight cyclists, and are sometimes about as
attractive as used car yards. But you can get a shower and wash your clothes,
and perhaps charge your device. Youth Hostels are expensive ! In Budapest, the small “ Biker Camp” provides
a very pleasant, car-free atmosphere for cyclists.
Trains : Express trains are not bicycle-friendly. However, local or “regional”
trains are generally much easier with a bike, as well as cheaper. Ask for any
“special” prices, particularly at week ends and “off peak”. While some
carriages are readily accessible with a heavily loaded bike, some are not - a
few carriages have high steps and narrow doorways- and you may need to ask a
fellow passenger for help, especially if you have to make a tight connection,
which can be common. Bikes may also travel on some tram systems. Be careful
however not to buy a ticket that crosses an international border, unless
you want to spend too much! Staff are
also helpful and usually speak some English. Booking offices at major stations
are also generally helpful but English is not readily understood
Internet & WiFi : WiFi
is useful, if and when it’s available, ( eg at MacDonald’s), but having
connectivity in “real time”, especially from your “wild” campsite, is so useful
it’s practically indispensable. I recommend having a local pre-paid SIM card.
Be aware too that Hungary keyboards may be difficult for people not accustomed
to their layout. FaceBook Messenger is quite useful, too. Internet cafes are no
longer common, so your own device is almost indispensable. To access your
Google or Hotmail accounts on devices besides your own , you need to make
arrangements before you leave home to carry printed “security codes” with you.
Misc :
Websites :
BikerCamp : http://www.bikercamp.hu/
Eurovelo Route 6( Hungary) : http://www.eurovelo.com/en/eurovelos/eurovelo-6/les-etapes/wien-budapest
Distance calculator :
www.freemaptools.com/how-far-is-it-between.htm /
An encyclopedic,private site :www.cycletourer.co.uk/
Glossary
English |
Hungarian |
Beer |
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Bicycle |
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Bread |
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Cheese |
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Fruit |
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Map |
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Meat |
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Milk |
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Vegetable |
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Water |
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Wine |
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